Sister Rose Angele Spalding

“ … all we know is, that when it is revealed, we shall be like God, because we will see God as God really is.” (1 John 3:2b)

“Sister Rose Angele welcomed God’s call to eternal life on Jan. 8, where she knows God forever as God really is,” began Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer in her commentary for Sister Rose Angele Spalding.

Monica Elizabeth Spalding was born Jan. 21, 1913, in Loogootee, Ind., to James and Rose (Hopkins) Spalding. One of five children, she was educated at Cunningham Grade School and St. John High School, both in Loogootee. She entered the Congregation Dec. 29, 1933, and professed first and perpetual vows Jan. 23, 1936, and Aug. 15, 1941, respectively. Sister Rose Angele earned bachelor’s degrees in education and English from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

For nearly 50 years, Sister Rose Angele dedicated her life to the education of young people either as a teacher, principal or librarian. Her first mission was St. Angela, Chicago, in 1936. In Illinois, she also ministered at Our Lady of Sorrows, Chicago; St. Alexander, Palos Heights; and St. Francis Xavier, Wilmette. She spent three years at St. Ann, Washington, D.C. Indiana schools she ministered in included St. Patrick, St. Andrew, St. Bridget, Nativity and St. Luke, Indianapolis; St. Michael, Greenfield; and St. John the Baptist, Fort Wayne. In 1985, she left the classroom to serve as a clerical assistant at St. Gabriel Province Center, Indianapolis. Seven years later, she retired and provided convent service at St. Matthew Convent, Indianapolis.

“In 1997, Sister Rose Angele retired to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for her ministry of prayer, rooted in quiet cheerfulness and generosity in the midst of pain but never complaint. She lived the meaning of Providence in love, mercy and justice,” continued Sister Ruth Eileen.

Sister Ruth Eileen shared a story to better explain just how generous Sister Rose Angele was. “In my youth, I lived a more comfortable life as soon as Sister Rose Angele discovered that I had an ill-fitted serre-tête [headgear once worn by women religious]. After her adjustment, I found it possible to live comfortably once again! Little things do matter, and she was ever ready to help graciously. We were ever appreciative of her willingness to do what needed to be done!

“Her cousin, Sister Mary Charles [Spalding], told me of Sister Rose Angele’s love for shopping in dry goods stores for bargains from which she could make beautiful items and enjoy sharing that beauty with others,” continued Sister Ruth Eileen.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Rose Angele was celebrated Jan. 12 with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She was preceded in death by all her siblings.